4
Bute
393
Acting on the advice of Professor Simpson the Board have not hesitated to close houses and blocks of houses in which Plague patients have been found and this has no doubt prevented the further spread of infection in such blocks. I append a list of the houses closed in this manner by the Board during the current year.
In every case other accommodation has been provided for the tenants so displaced, the Board having, with the consent of the Government, rented several blocks of new buildings in suitable parts of the Colony for this purpose.
A very large temporary staff has of necessity been required to carry out these numerous duties and I enclose a list of the extra staff which has been engaged on Plague duties, the ordinary duties of the Permanent officers shown in the list having been performed by other officers temporarily engaged for the purpose.
The duties of the Department have been heavier than usual this spring owing to the somewhat serious outbreak of Cholera in the City, consequent on a deficiency in the public water supply, but the results have been gratifying so far as Plague is concerned and they suggest that a systematic and determined endeavour to diminish the number of rats and to exclude them by every conceivable means from the dwelling houses coupled with continuous efforts to keep these dwellings clean and wholesome and rigorous action in support of every infected block of buildings are the lines along which Plague prevention should proceed in the future.
Such measures require a permanent Plague staff of trained men and this matter will be brought to the attention of the Government by the Board in connection with the estimates for the ensuing year.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, Francis Clark Medical Officer of Health.
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